New Orleans Pelicans are optimistic about Zion Williamson returning to play this season, after an injury regression that made the team deem the forward star unavailable for team activities.

According to ESPN’s Andrew Lopez, the team confirmed that Zion will suit the Pelicans at some point during the 2021-22 regular season. Zion has not played for his team since last year.

He was ruled out after undergoing foot surgery prior to the start of the offseason. Since then, the Pelicans’ superstar faced several setbacks in his rehabilitation.

When on the court, the 21-year-old is a force to be reckoned with. In the 2020-21 campaign, Williamson played in 61 of the 72 games and averaged an impressive 27.0 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 3.7 assists while shooting an outstanding 61.1 percent from the field.

But, staying healthy has become a valid concern. He’s now played just 85 of a possible 183 games, with Pelicans having playoff aspiration with him on the floor.

Without him, New Orleans has the worst record in the league in the first 27 games of the year. They look to desperately need their star to save the season.